BL4266 Conservation Research Methods
(BL4266 online module handbook version 49)
image: An individually marked redshank - when animals become individuals we can estimate survival rates and population estimates accurately†
The conservation of animal and plant populations relies initially on information of population sizes and trends. This information can only be collected by fieldwork. This module teaches the basic field techniques that underpin the monitoring of populations. Each week the theory behind a different technique is introduced, then the technique is practiced in the field, and finally data collected by the technique are analysed and discussed in a workshop at the end of the week, so that a full understanding of a technique and its proper application is gained. The module ends with students carrying out a project applying and integrating the techniques they have learnt.
*Credits: 15*
Semester: 1†
Module OrganiserPre-requisite Modules:Before taking this module you must pass BL3309*
Anti-requisite Modules:*
Post-requisite Modules:*
Additional Module Information:
Biology Teaching Office:
Level 2, Biomolecular Sciences Building, University of St Andrews, North Haugh, St Andrews, Fife KY16 9ST
Email: bioteach@st-andrews.ac.uk Phone: +44 (0)1334 46 3602 or 3566
BL4266: Assessment
Coursework = 100%*
The following related information applies to all Biology modules:
Who to ask †
(Information in this section applies to all Biology Modules)
Before contacting staff, students should check the content of the Biology Undergraduate Handbook, the module handbook and specific task instructions.
Biology Teaching Office:
We are happy to hear from you about teaching matters. The School of Biology Teaching Office is open Monday to Friday 09.00 - 13.00 and 14.00 - 17.00. School of Biology staff will respond to your emails during these hours. Our team will provide a response to you within three working days.
Biology Teaching Office (Level 2), University of St Andrews, Biomolecular Sciences Building, North Haugh, St Andrews, Fife KY16 9ST
Email: bioteach@st-andrews.ac.uk
Tel: 01334 46 3602 or 3566
BL4266: Contributing Staff †
BL4266: Learning Outcomes †
Students completing module BL4266 successfully should be able to:
- Understand the process of designing and implementing an efficient conservation-based assessment of key population parameters.
- Use basic specific skills necessary for answering a range of conservation research questions to do with population size
- Evaluate whether methods are appropriate and efficient to address conservation research questions
- Analyse pilot data efficiently within the context of determining the limitations of the pilot data and the methods used to collect it so that they can both then be improved.
- Present and fully justify the methods chosen to most efficiently answer a conservation research question.
BL4266: Acquired Skills †
Practical Skills
- Field sampling methods (Invertebrates)
- Field sampling methods (Vertebrates)
- Fieldwork safety awareness
- Species identification (Vertebrates)
- Sustainability related practical skills
Transferable Skills
- Group discussion - leading
- Group discussion - participating
- Short individual presentation on project idea (up to 15 min)
- Short informal presentation (using PowerPoint or not)
- "Full" practical write-up (Intro, Methods, Results, Discussion)
- Project report
- Research proposal
- Response to comments on proposal
- Critically evaluating sources/information
- Finding information on the web
- Finding literature
- Referencing
- Sourcing figures/tables
- Computer programming
- Generating questions
- Peer assessment
- Problem-solving questions
- ANOVA/Kruskal-Wallis test
- Biodiversity analysis
- Calculations/equations
- Chi-square test
- Data analysis
- Data analysis (depending on project)
- Data presentation
- Deal with outliers
- Decimal places
- Descriptive statistics
- Distinguish different types of data
- Draw a line of best fit
- Generalised Linear Models
- Handling big data
- Interpolation
- Linear regression
- Logarithms
- Non-linear fit
- Other mathematical models
- Pearson/Spearman rank correlation
- Produce graphs/figures
- Produce tables
- Scaling
- Shapiro-Wilk test for normality
- SI units
- Significant figures
- Survival analysis
- t-test/Wilcoxon test
- Two-way ANOVA
- Use Excel
- Use other data analysis software
- Use R or R Studio
- Lab or field notebook
- Critiquing experimental design
- Designing experiments
- Sustainability Related Skills
- Generate class dataset
- Managing a team
- Organising group work
- Working in pairs/small groups
Policies †
(Information in this section applies to all Biology Modules)
- The procedures and regulations followed by the School of Biology are outlined in the University Handbook and in the School of Biology UG handbook  JH booklet info (st-andrews.ac.uk)Â
- All coursework associated with the module must be completed and submitted by its due date.
- Specific School regulations relating to absence reporting, penalties and rules for late submission of work, extensions for coursework, return of coursework, S-coding, Good Academic Practice and Academic Alert are stated in the School of Biology UG hand book JH booklet info (st-andrews.ac.uk)  and students are required to carefully read these regulations.
- Students are also referred to the University Handbook, available at: http://www.st-andrews.ac.uk/studenthandbook/
